Interspecific tree named ‘Zoey Kat’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree with vigorous, upright growth.   2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit.   3. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality.   4. Fruit with an average Brix of 17.0°.   5. Fruit with an attractive dark reddish blue skin color and yellow flesh.

Botanical designation: Interspecific Prunus species.

Variety denomination: ‘Zoey Kat’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of interspecific and apricot trees, whichare known to us, and mentioned herein is, ‘Flavor Jewel’ Interspecific(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,502) and our non-patented interspecific seedlingselections with the field identification numbers ‘192LD95’, ‘53ZB678’,‘65LG172’, ‘47GH333A’, ‘305LN566’ and ‘67Z80’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct interspecific tree was originated by us fromcrosses between the following species; Prunus salicina, Prunus armeniacaand Prunus persica. The present variety was selected from a firstgeneration cross between our proprietary non-patented interspecificvarieties ‘53ZB678’ and ‘305LN566’. The non-patented interspecific seedparent (53ZB678) originated from a cross between ‘65LG172’ interspecific(non-patented) and the proprietary non-patented interspecific variety‘47GH333A’. The non-patented interspecific pollen parent (305LN566)originated from a cross between the non-patented proprietaryinterspecific variety ‘192LD95’ and the non-patented proprietaryinterspecific variety ‘67Z80’. A large number of these first generationseedlings were budded onto older established trees of ‘Nemaguard’Rootstock (non-patented) to enhance earlier fruit production forevaluation. Under close and careful observation we recognized thedesirable tree and fruit characteristics of the present seedling andselected it in 2005 for additional asexual propagation andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2005 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety ofinterspecific tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to theoriginal tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit areestablished and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree[Plum×apricot×(apricot×peach)] is of large size, vigorous, uprightgrowth and is a regular and productive bearer of large size, yellowflesh fruit with good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is furthercharacterized by having firm flesh and an attractive reddish blue skincolor. In comparison to its non-patented interspecific seed parent(53ZB678) the fruit of the new variety has a higher average Brix of17.0° and is approximately 28 days earlier in maturity. In comparison toits non-patented proprietary interspecific pollen parent (305LN566) thefruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 13 daysearlier in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘FlavorJewel’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,502) the fruit of the newvariety has dark reddish blue skin compared to red and is approximately61 days later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety.

The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 9 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 9 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width            for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with different            cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first            growing season. Varies with cultural practices, soil type,            fertility and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright growth, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for marketable size fruit. Number of fruit set            varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 7 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color            and health of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement is approximately 800 hours at or below            45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 48.3 cm, at 22.9 cm above            ground on a 9 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 2/2 to 5Y 4/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 16.8 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Size — large. Average number 48 in a 25.8 sq cm            section. Average length 5.4 mm. Average width 2.0 mm. Color            varies from 5YR 5/12 to 7.5YR 5/10.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 2.5GY 5/6. Mature            growth varies from 7.5YR 6/2 to 7.5YR 2/2, varies with age            of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 120.2 mm. Average            width 49.3 mm.        -   Form.—Oblanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Medium to large. Average length 15.7 mm. Average            width 1.7 mm. Longitudinally grooved. Surface — finely            pubescent. Color varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to 2.5GY 5/8.        -   Glands.—Type — globose. Number varies from 2 to 3, average            number 2. Size — small. Average length 0.8 mm. Average            diameter 0.6 mm. Located primarily on base of leaf blade and            upper portion of petiole. Color varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to            2.5GY 5/8.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 6.1 mm. Edges —            pectinate. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 2.5GY 6/8.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/6 to 7.5GY 3/6. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 4/6 to 5GY 3/4. Midvein color varies            from 2.5GY 5/6 to 5GY 5/8.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 9.7 mm. Average diameter 8.9            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 7.5 mm. Average width 0.8 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 7/8. Surface glabrous.        -   Color.—N 9.5/ (white).        -   Number of buds per spur.—Average number 7, varies from 4            to 13. Varies with age of spur.        -   Density.—Medium dense.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 12, 2014. Date of            Petal Fall Feb. 22, 2014, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average height 11.7 mm. Average diameter 15.5            mm.        -   Petals.—Number — normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals.            Petal apex — rounded. Petal base — rounded to somewhat            truncated. Size — medium. Average length 8.8 mm. Average            width 7.1 mm. Form — globose to elliptical. Arrangement —            overlapping. Margin — sinuate. Color N 9.5/(white). Both            upper and lower surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Number — normally 5, alternately arranged to petals.            Size — small. Average length 2.8 mm. Average width 2.0 mm.            Shape — triangular. Apex rounded to triangular. Margin —            entire. Color — upper surface varies from 5GY 6/8 to 7.5GY            6/8. Lower surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/8. Both            upper and lower surfaces glabrous.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 32, varies from 29 to 34.            Average filament length 8.1 mm. On average the stamens are            above the height of the petals. Filament color N            9.5/(white). Anther color varies from 5Y 8/8 to 5Y 8/10.        -   Pollen.—Self-sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            5Y 7/10 to 5Y 7/12.        -   Pistil.—Number — normally 1. Surface — glabrous. Average            length 8.7 mm. Position of stigma an average of 1.5 mm below            anthers. Color varies from 10Y 7/8 to 2.5GY 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Pedicel.—Average length 9.8 mm. Average width 0.8 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 7/8. Surface glabrous.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average number 2, varies from            2 to 3.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for            consumption.        -   Date of first picking.—Aug. 4, 2014.        -   Date of last picking.—Aug. 14, 2014, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 56.0 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 65.1 mm. Average weight 156.2            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Lipped, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 7.0 mm. Average diameter 2.7 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 14.0 mm. Average diameter 1.6            mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 4/6 to 10YR 4/4.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to commercial interspecific            varieties.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Good.        -   Flavor.—Good with a good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Acidity.—Not available.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 17.0°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 7/8 to 2.5Y 8/8.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 26.4 mm. Average width 21.4 mm.            Average depth 6.4 mm. Color varies from 7.5YR 5/8 to 7.5YR            4/8.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Bloom.—Slight amount, completely covered.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 7.5YR 9/2 to 10YR 9/2.            Overspread with 7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 2/6.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone, medium adherence.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 25.4 mm. Average width            20.4 mm. Average thickness 10.8 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 1.8 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from rounded to            slightly elongated.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from the suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—A small ridge on each side of suture extending from            base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/6 to 7.5YR 6/6 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 12.2 mm. Average width            9.4 mm. Average depth 4.7 mm.        -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/8 to 7.5YR 6/8.-   Use: Dessert.    -   -   Market.—Local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°    to 42° F. without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss of    eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh    bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during    indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial,    virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our    breeding program. No atypical resistances/susceptibilities have been    noted under normal cultural practices.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecifictree, substantially as illustrated and described.